Introduction to Chemical Reactions

Chemical Reaction Types

There are a few basic categories of chemical reactions. For the MCAT, you should memorize them and be able to recognize the type of reaction based on the reactants and products. Note that some chemical reactions may be more than one type of chemical reaction.

Combination. A chemical reaction with two reactants and a single product.

Decomposition. A chemical reaction with a single reactant and multiple products.

Single Displacement. A chemical reaction where an element of one reactant is relocated to the other reactant.

Double Displacement / Metathesis. A chemical reaction where two compounds exchange one or more elements.